Education

Student Research Fellows Program

The GNSI Undergraduate Research Fellowship is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Fall Semester. This opportunity is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students.

Resident Fellowships: Are currently enrolled USF undergraduate or graduate students and will receive course credit for the research fellowship. 

Non-Resident Fellowship: Are open to non-USF students and Professional Military Education Institutions without course credit. 

The fellowship can be in-person or virtual and will include a variety of tasks such as conducting research, co-authoring articles and reports, and assisting in program development and execution.

Work completed during the fellowship could relate to multiple disciplines, including (but not limited to) Political Science, History, International Relations, Economics, Psychology, Science and Technology Policy, Artificial Intelligence, or Interdisciplinary Studies.

We're currently accepting fellows in the following research areas:

Rendering of citizens protesting in fictional city

Resilience and Resistance Focus:
This program focuses on civil disobedience, subversion, terrorism, insurgency, and civil war, as well as counterinsurgency, foreign internal defense, unconventional warfare, and total defense strategies. More information.

 

 

artist's rendering of chess pieces on chess board in front of a global map

Strategic Competition Focus:
This research area examines how global and regional powers interact to shape political, security, and economic landscapes. These studies focus on the interplay between great powers and regional actors, highlighting both cooperation and rivalry across overlapping spheres of influence. More information.

 

artist's rendering of soldiers interacting with citizens

Society and the Military Focus:
This research area aims at analyzing the multiple points of intersection between civilian society and the military, military service, and conflict, particularly via the institutions. Currently, the research in this area focuses on military recruitment – performance, challenges, and solutions, also in a historical context. More information.

 

who should apply

Currently enrolled USF undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to submit an application. However, non-USF undergraduate and graduate students, including those in professional military education schools, may also apply. Applicants will be assessed on their ability in the following areas:

  • Demonstration of research, analysis, and writing skills
  • Strong communication skills
  • Team-oriented, but able to work independently
  • Ability to use online library resources, including online databases, to produce concise analytical pieces

Contact and supervision can occur either in person or virtually. The expected obligation is 3-10 hours per week. All GNSI Student Research Fellows are expected to participate for one academic semester.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

Your applications must include:

  • Cover Letter
  • ¸éé²õ³Ü³¾Ã©
  • Short academic writing sample (max of 3 pages)
  • List of References (at least 2) with at least one academic reference

Applications should be sent directly to: GNSISubmissions@usf.edu